It was a surreal moment meeting my favorite Food Network star Jeff Mauro at the friends and family preview event for Pork and Mindy's. Even more surreal that my paintings are hanging on the wall behind us! It is such an honor to be included and it was such a fun night. Jeff is extremely kind, genuine, and just as funny in real life as he is on tv!

I also had the opportunity to be at the restaurant yesterday to give away prints of my art to the first five lucky customers who came through at noon. It was wonderful to meet people who were excited about the food and that I was able to personally sign their print and answer questions about my encaustic painting process. Though prints may be slightly different than the texture of an original encaustic (hot beeswax & pigment) painting, these high resolution prints represent my work very well and truly show the light and depth within the image.

Crossing the Ocean and Testament to the Sea are the two paintings featured at the restaurant. These two pieces are particularly special to me because of the story behind them and how it has shaped my life. In case you missed the story please take a moment to read the paragraph below.

Crossing the Ocean and Testament to the Sea (encaustic mixed media) are reflections of the journey of my immigrant ancestors in the early 1900s. Though I do not know all of the details of my family’s history, I attempt to piece together their story and learn about the steps they took to become citizens of the United States and put down roots in Chicago. I apply layers of melted beeswax and pigment through several luminous layers, using image transfers of historic documents from my Italian Grandparents, including their immigration records, passports, inspection cards, military records, and marriage certificate. I am inspired by their courage and strength, and the momentous decision they made to immigrate in hopes of a better life for their children, and their children’s children. Their decisions have helped shaped who I am today. The images I create invite one to step up close to the surface for a moment of discovery and familiar connection.

Jeff Mauro and his son Lorenzo standing in front of my two framed prints at Pork and Mindy's (repost from @jeffmauro)

On top of all of that, I'm even more excited to share the two large framed prints on display on the main wall SOLD! Small prints next to the register are for sale for only $35. Should you want a print in a bigger size, they are able to print it at any size upon request!

Make sure you get to the restaurant and try all of their amazing food (I've already sampled most of their menu)... and buy prints of my work!